Chawton House near Alton is reopening its doors for the festive season.
Celebrating Chawton House’s Christmas traditions, visitors will see the house beautifully dressed with traditional decorations created by volunteers, and trees cut from the Chawton estate.
Chawton House chief executive Katie Childs said: “During the 2020 lockdowns, Chawton House became a much-loved and appreciated space for the local community to enjoy their hour’s exercise or for global audiences to access virtually.
“This year, Christmas at Chawton House celebrates our local festive traditions, from a display on the Knight family tradition of gifting books to the home-made decorations display.
“We look forward to welcoming back all those who supported us during the most challenging of times, as they come together to celebrate the festivities, now alongside their friends and family.”
Visitors will also see a new festive installation – The Twelve Knits of Christmas.
Celebrating home-made, traditional craftwork, The Twelve Knits of Christmas will inspire and delight audiences of all ages and has been lovingly handcrafted by Chawton House’s volunteer Christmas Committee.
Created with materials that can be found around the home, this installation is a homage to craft – a hobby many took up during last year’s lockdowns – and the idea of a home-made Christmas.
Chawton House will be open from today to December 10 with winter opening hours of 10am to 3.30pm.
The first event on Friday (December 3) from 7pm to 9pm will see visitors enjoy a spooky start to the festive season with the chilling Old Nurse’s Story by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Performed by Chawton House’s very own general assistant and actress Sasha Dean, it will be told in three acts throughout the house.
The house and gardens will then remain open late to visitors from December 15 to January 2, with a new light trail – The Glimmering Gardens – to enjoy.
Following on from the success of last year’s trail, The Glimmering Gardens will be even bigger and will bring the gardens to life.
Walkers will be able to spot the woodland creatures that call Chawton House home, and enjoy the gardens after dark.
The Old Kitchen Tea Room will have a festive menu and the shop will be filled with seasonal delights and stocking fillers.
Chawton House will be closed between December 11 to 14 and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
For details visit the website at https://chawtonhouse.org/